SENIOR Royal Navy figures and descendants of a Petersfield Victoria Cross holder attended the unveiling of a commemorative stone in the town’s square.
Commander Loftus Jones VC earned the nation’s highest gallantry award for his part in the First World War’s Battle of Jutland, the biggest sea battle in recent history.
He died in action on May 31, 1916, at the outset of the 36-hour battle in the North Sea, and is now buried in Sweden.
Cmdr Jones grew up in Hylton House in The Spain and also lived in Sussex Road.
Last Friday, his granddaughter Juliette Walker and great-grandson, Corporal David Walker, of the RAF Regiment, joined the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson, and the most senior chaplain in the Royal Navy, the Venerable Ian Wheatley, to honour Cmdr Jones.
Also present were senior navy officers, dignitaries, Petersfield Air Cadets, Petersfield and Liss Royal British Legion members, and chief inspector Beth Pirie of Petersfield Police.
The service began with short speeches by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) chairman David Ashcroft, Petersfield Mayor James Deane, and Archdeacon Wheatley.
A Royal Marine bugler sounded The Last Post, and as its echoes died away, the crowd stood in silence for a minute in honour of the 36-year-old hero.
The memorial was then unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and Mrs Walker, and they laid wreathes. Others were laid on behalf of the Royal Navy, and the town and district councils.
Afterwards, the family visited the grave of Cmdr Jones’ father, also called Loftus Jones, and who was an admiral in the Royal Navy.
The grave in the cemetery off Ramshill fell into neglect after the Jones family either moved away or died.
EHDC?cemetery manager Lyn Hayler said the story of Cmdr Jones’ death led to the search for his father’s grave, and the council had been proud to refurbish it.